Benefits of Exercise

by Mariana Bozesan

Scientific studies show that if people perform regular exercises every day for six months, they, in fact, become "addicted" to the feeling of health, vitality and wellbeing that exercise provides. My personal experience of the past three years confirms this fact. If we want to make exercise a regular part of our lives forever, all we need to do is commit ourselves to it every day for six months. After those six months, our body and our mind cannot stop exercising without giving up the feeling of happiness and wellbeing.

Thus, through regular exercise we can trick ourselves into a lifestyle that supports all of our life goals including the following benefits:

1. Losing extra pounds and keeping them off forever;


2. Reducing age markers so we look and feel younger;


3. Building muscle mass so our previously enlarged skin doesn’t hang after losing weight;


4. Increasing bone density;


5. Reducing risk of osteoporosis;


6. Enhancing flexibility;


7. Building strength and endurance;


8. Reducing chances of injury.

As exercise builds our bodies’ strength, we become leaner and healthier. In addition:

1. Our ability to metabolize sugars improves and reduces our risk of diabetes;


2. Exercise helps regulate our blood sugar levels, so they do not climb too high and increase fat storage;


3. Exercise also increases levels of serotonin — the happy hormone — as well as dopamine and other hormones responsible for the way we feel. Imagine no longer running to the refrigerator when feeling depressed or unhappy because regular exercise keeps our spirits lifted;


4. Exercise increases the hormones the body releases including improved HDL (the good cholesterol), growth hormones, endorphins, etc.;


5. With regular exercise, our mood improves. We feel happier and less depressed or anxious;


6. Consequently, our self-image grows;


7. Our relationships get better; and

Our lives feel better overall.